Told to no longer breastfeed

[Mamax2]

Hi please help: my daughter is 6 wks old, at about 4 wks my daughter had blood in her stool. I was put on a elimination diet by my ped. But there has continued to be some streaks of blood in her stool. My second opinion also said that if the blood does not go away that I will have to stop nursing. I absolutely do not want to stop but don't want to hurt my daughter. Is there something else I can do. She is gaining weight & once put on reflux meds she's a happy baby. I just don't know what to do. Please help

[shariibclc]

I'm sure you are very worried about your baby experiencing such a scary symptom, but blood in the stool can usually easily remedied.

It is not really possible for your baby to be allergic to your breastmilk, but they can be sensitive to proteins in your milk from the foods you are eating which can result in bloody stools The most common is cow's milk protein.

If your baby is sensitive to cow's milk protein in your milk, the only way to confirm this is by eliminating all cow's milk products from your diet for at least 3 days to 2 weeks. It can take that long for the infants bowel to heal. Eliminating dairy products means you need to avoid anything that lists the ingredient casein or whey protein.

It is uncommon for your baby to be sensitive to the foods you are eating. If you are restricting your diet and not seeing any result your baby is probably not sensitive to the foods in your diet.

Another more common cause of bloody stool (especially at the age your baby is) would be
breastmilk oversupply.

These babies frequently have bowel problems and gas or reflux-like symptoms because the over production of milk causes the baby to get more foremilk ( the lower fat first milk) than hind milk. Hindmilk is the higher fat milk that comes later in the feeding. Because the fat in the milk helps to slow digestion, a baby who receives more foremilk than hind milk may experience very rapid digestion. This would allow some of the lactose, a milk sugar, into the bowel undigested. Once in the bowel, lactose creates irritation that often leads to gassiness and explosive, sometimes green bowel movements. Irritation also further inhibits the bowel's ability to manage the lactose, creating a situation that often gets progressively worse. This bowel irritation sometimes becomes so severe it can cause bloody stools.

Whatever the reason is, breastmilk is usually the best choice for most babies with digestive problems. It is better tolerated and easier to digest than formula.

If you are doing a lot of pumping this can cause a continuation in your engorgement and over supply. Try feeding on one side per feeding only to ensure the baby is receiving the proper amount of fat.